Election Commission Transfers Officials Amid TMC Protests in West Bengal
Bengal polls: EC transfers block official after row over Ajay Pal Sharma's visit
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Election Commission of India transferred the Joint Block Development Officer of Falta, Sourav Hazra, and two Additional District Magistrates following protests from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) against police observer Ajay Pal Sharma's visit. The transfers come ahead of the assembly polls in West Bengal, highlighting tensions in the sensitive constituency.
- 01Joint Block Development Officer Sourav Hazra was transferred to Purulia amid TMC protests.
- 02Two Additional District Magistrates were also removed from election-related duties.
- 03The transfers occurred just before the assembly polls in Falta, South 24 Parganas.
- 04TMC accused police observer Ajay Pal Sharma of intimidation during his visit.
- 05Falta is considered a sensitive constituency with heightened security measures.
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The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Joint Block Development Officer Sourav Hazra from Falta, South 24 Parganas district, to Purulia just hours before the assembly polls on April 29. This decision followed protests by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding the visit of special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma, who faced accusations of intimidating TMC workers. The ECI also removed two Additional District Magistrates from their election-related responsibilities without providing specific reasons. Hazra's transfer is described by an ECI official as routine, but it has raised concerns given the backdrop of heightened tensions in the constituency. Sharma, an IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh, conducted inspections in the area amid protests, warning potential troublemakers against disrupting the polling process. Falta, part of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat represented by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, is under close surveillance to ensure fair elections.
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The transfers of officials may influence the conduct of polling in Falta, potentially affecting voter sentiment and the overall election atmosphere.
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